What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?

What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? is a critically acclaimed South Korean television series from tvN, directed by Park Joon-Hwa, aired in 2018. The series, based on the popular 2013 web novel of the same name written by Jung Kyung-Yoon, features a star-studded cast, including Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young, Lee Tae-hwan and Kim Byeong-ok. The show beautifully combines elements of comedy, romance, and drama into a compelling narrative that keeps viewers hooked from the first episode.

The narrative of What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? orbits around Lee Young-Joon (Park Seo-joon), a narcissistic and incredibly competent Vice-President of a major corporation. Having been with the company for nearly a decade, he is considered indispensable to its functioning and is known amongst his peers for his intelligence, good looks and charisma. However, Young-Joon's only true foil comes in the form of his capable and patient secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young).

The crux of the story unfolds when, after nine long years of dedicated service, Mi-so shockingly announces her plans to resign. Mi-so, who began working to support her family at a young age, realizes that she has been neglecting her personal life and interests owing to her taxing job. Therefore, she decides it's time for her to step back and enjoy a normal life, which involves focused dedication towards finding love and marriage.

Unforeseen by Mi-so, her unexpected resignation leaves Young-Joon perplexed and distraught. Young-Joon, unable to imagine his life and work without his devoted secretary, embarks on an unexpectedly hilarious and touching mission to prevent Mi-so from leaving. He cannot understand why she would ever want to resign and goes to premium lengths to keep her by his side, kick-starting a series of humorous yet heartfelt events.

As the series progresses, the relationship between the two central characters takes heart-warming twists and turns. The narrative effortlessly weaves the past and the present, unraveling deep-seated secrets that significantly influence the bond between Young-Joon and Mi-so. It explores their evolving feelings for each other, their personal growth, and how their relationship moves beyond the boundaries of a standard employer-employee association.

Furthermore, the show portrays a collection of well-crafted secondary characters, each bringing their unique humor and depth to the story. From the aloof yet affectionate older brother, Lee Sung-yeon (Lee Tae-hwan) to the constantly grumpy yet unexpectedly insightful Director Kim (Kim Byeong-ok), each character contributes to amplifying the narrative's charm. The dynamics among these characters generate a blend of dramatic confrontations and comedic relief, leading to an engaging plot that never lacks in delivering entertainment.

Another noteworthy aspect of What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? is its exceptional production quality. The series features high-end sets, combining modern and sophisticated aesthetics that capture the corporate world's elite aura. It’s further supplemented by a spellbinding original soundtrack that perfectly complements the mood and pacing of each scene. The production gives an aesthetically pleasing visual experience, further enhancing the show's overall appeal.

In essence, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? is a refreshingly light-hearted and warm romantic comedy that delves into more profound emotional territories as the series progresses. It’s a captivating journey of self-realization, love, and companionship that is sure to entertain viewers who appreciate nuanced character development and engaging dialogues. Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young's stellar performances and their palpable on-screen chemistry serve as the cherry on top of a well-crafted show. The series effectively delivers a powerful message about valuing personal happiness and work-life balance, leaving viewers with a deep sense of gratification and contentment. This delicate balance of comedy, romance, and drama makes What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? a must-watch for fans of K-dramas.